Backup Power Batteries: Which One to Choose?

AGM, LiFePO4, or Li-ion — an honest comparison with pros, cons, and an interactive calculator to find the required capacity

Blackouts have become part of our daily lives. The question is no longer whether to buy a backup battery — but which one to choose so you don't throw your money away. There are three main types on the market: lead-acid AGM/GEL, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and lithium-ion. Let's break down each one honestly.

300–500
cycles for AGM/GEL batteries
2,000–4,000
cycles for LiFePO4 — 6–8 times more
×2
cheaper LiFePO4 costs over 8 years compared to AGM

Battery Types Comparison

Click on a battery type to see detailed information: specs, advantages, and disadvantages.

LEAD-ACID

The oldest and most common technology. AGM and GEL are two sub-types, both maintenance-free. Ideal for starting with a limited budget.

300–500charge cycles
50%depth of discharge
2–3 yearslifespan
25–30 kgweight (100 Ah)
3,500–6,000 ₴price (100 Ah)
Highfire safety

✅ Advantages

  • Lowest initial price
  • Sold everywhere — easy to find
  • Compatible with most inverters
  • Does not burn or explode
  • Simple to connect

❌ Disadvantages

  • Short cyclic life (1–2 years with daily use)
  • Only 50% of capacity is realistically available
  • Heavy — 25–30 kg for 100 Ah
  • Loses 30–40% capacity in freezing conditions
  • Requires ventilation when charging
🎯 Who is it for: limited budget, infrequent blackouts (once every few days), ready to replace in 2–3 years.
LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE

The golden standard for home backup systems and solar plants in Ukraine. More expensive upfront, but twice as cost-effective over 8 years.

2,000–4,000charge cycles
80–100%depth of discharge
7–10 yearslifespan
12–15 kgweight (100 Ah)
12,000–20,000 ₴price (100 Ah)
Highfire safety

✅ Advantages

  • 2,000–4,000 cycles — 6–8 times more than AGM
  • 80–100% real depth of discharge
  • Stable voltage until the end of discharge
  • Twice as light as an AGM of the same capacity
  • Built-in BMS — overcharge protection
  • Chemically stable, does not ignite

❌ Disadvantages

  • High initial price (12–20 thousand UAH)
  • Requires a compatible inverter — not all are suitable
  • Price fluctuates with the dollar exchange rate
  • Cannot be charged at temperatures below 0°C
🎯 Who is it for: daily blackouts, 5+ year system planning, already have or plan to install solar panels.
LITHIUM-ION (NMC) / PORTABLE

Smartphone and laptop technology. In backup power — mostly portable power stations (EcoFlow, Jackery, Bluetti). Convenient, but not for a stationary home setup.

500–1,000charge cycles
80%depth of discharge
3–5 yearslifespan
8–15 kgweight (100 Ah)
8,000–25,000 ₴price
Mediumfire safety

✅ Advantages

  • The most compact and lightweight option
  • Ready-made "plug and play" solutions
  • Holds charge well during storage
  • Ideal for mobile use

❌ Disadvantages

  • Fewer cycles than LiFePO4
  • Fire risk if damaged
  • Not suitable for large stationary systems
  • Expensive for large capacities
🎯 Who is it for: mobile solutions — summer house, car, trips. Not the best option as the core of a home system.

Comparison Table

Parameter AGM / GEL LiFePO4 Li-ion (portable)
Price (100 Ah) 3,500–6,000 ₴ 12,000–20,000 ₴ 8,000–25,000 ₴
Number of cycles 300–500 2,000–4,000 500–1,000
Real depth of discharge 50% 80–100% 80%
Lifespan 2–3 years 7–10 years 3–5 years
Weight (100 Ah) 25–30 kg 12–15 kg 8–15 kg
Frost performance Decreases Does not charge <0°C Decreases
Fire safety High High Medium
For solar panels Yes Ideal Limited
Cost over 8 years ~32,000 ₴ ~15,000 ₴ ~20,000 ₴

«Over 8 years, you will have to buy a 200 Ah AGM (~8,000 ₴) 4 times — totaling ~32,000 ₴. A 100 Ah LiFePO4 (~15,000 ₴) will last this entire time. The difference is twofold, and that's not even counting the convenience and better efficiency.»

Required Battery Capacity Calculator

Indicate which devices you want to connect and how many hours a day they will run — and we will calculate the required battery capacity for each type.

🧮 Capacity Calculation

Toggle the devices you want to power and specify the number of working hours per day

W × h/day
W × h/day
W × h/day
W × h/day
W × h/day
W × h/day
W × h/day
W × h/day
Daily consumption (including a 20% margin for efficiency): —
AGM / GEL
—
Amp-hours at 12V
LiFePO4 ⭐
—
Amp-hours at 12V
Li-ion (portable)
—
Wh
🔍 Calculation result will appear here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix different types of batteries in one system?
Not recommended. Different technologies have different charge and discharge characteristics. Mixing AGM and LiFePO4 can damage one or both batteries, cause the BMS to malfunction, and reduce the lifespan. Always use the same type of batteries, preferably from the same manufacturer and series.
How many batteries are needed for an apartment?
For basic apartment needs (lights, router, chargers, laptop) for 5–6 hours, a 100–150 Ah LiFePO4 or a 200 Ah AGM is usually enough. If you need to run a refrigerator — add another 50–100 Ah. Use our calculator above for a precise estimate.
Can I install batteries on a balcony in winter?
AGM and Li-ion lose up to 30–40% of their capacity at low temperatures. LiFePO4 cannot be charged at all at temperatures below 0°C — the BMS protection will trigger. The ideal place for batteries is a warm room: a utility room, pantry, or heated garage. The minimum recommended storage and operating temperature is from +5°C.
Which battery is better for a solar panel?
For a solar panel setup, LiFePO4 is definitely the best choice. Reasons: more cycles (important for daily solar charging), high charge efficiency (95% vs. 80% for AGM), and stable voltage, which allows the inverter and MPPT solar controller to work optimally. Most modern solar inverters have a dedicated LiFePO4 mode.
Do I need a special inverter for LiFePO4?
Not necessarily special, but definitely compatible. The inverter must support the LiFePO4 charging profile (charge voltage ~14.4–14.6V for a 12V system) and ideally have adjustable parameters. Modern inverters of mid to high tiers (Growatt, Deye, Voltronic, Pylontech-compatible) support LiFePO4 by default. Check with the seller before purchasing.

How to choose the right system for your home

Calculate daily consumption using the calculator above
Choose the type: AGM for starters, LiFePO4 for a long-term system
Check the battery compatibility with your inverter
Plan installation in a warm place (min. +5°C)

Don't know which battery to choose for your needs?

Our engineers will consult you for free and help calculate a system for your house or apartment. We will select the optimal solution fitting your budget and needs.

Contact us